ARE YOU AN

INSIDER

5 Hair Colours That Can Take 10 Years Off Your Face

We Byrdie editors are all about learning the latest and greatest in anti-ageing trends. Normally, when we think about things we can do to look younger, our minds gravitate toward skincare products or clever makeup techniques. But the biggest secret in anti-ageing actually has everything to do with hair colour.

"Simple hair colour adjustments can make huge differences," says eSalon colourist Erik Jordan. In other words, while you're busy focusing on treating your skin with anti-ageing masks and serums, what you might not notice is that dull, ashy blond hair or a too-dark brunette colour could be undoing all your hard work.

Luckily, there are a few choice hair colours that professionals swear can trick everyone into thinking you're way younger than you are—and not all of them are totally obvious. Read on to discover five unique hair colour ideas that can take years off your face!

Caramel Highlights

1 / 15

PHOTO:

Jason Merritt/Getty

This is a great option for brunettes looking for an easy change that isn't too extreme. "For brunettes, adding caramelhighlights can help to warm and soften facial features," says Peter Oon of Oon Arvelo Salon in NYC. Plus, this look adds dimension to the hair, making it appear as voluminous as it was a decade ago.

2 / 15

PHOTO:

Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty

"I love this look for so many reasons. It's youthful, low maintenance, and re-creatable," adds Jordan, who suggests asking your colorist for balayage highlights. "The freehand painting technique has the effect of looking effortlessly sun-kissed and grows out without a demarcation line."

3 / 15

PHOTO:

Mike Coppola/Getty

Plus, due to the soft grow-out, Jordan says you can have your highlights done every few months and just touch up the roots in between.

Golden Melon

4 / 15

PHOTO:

Robin Marchant/Getty

If you have lighter hair that's looking a bit ashy, consider venturing into fruit territory—think strawberry blonde or golden melon.

5 / 15

PHOTO:

David M. Benett/Getty

"Adding warmth to blonde shades in the honey and buttery range gives the skin tone and complexion a youthful glow," says Oon.

6 / 15

PHOTO:

Jon Kopaloff/Getty

Just make sure to head into the salon for a gloss every six weeks or so to keep the reddish hues bright.

Brond Sombré

7 / 15

PHOTO:

David Livingston/Getty

According to celebrity colourist (aka, the father of every cool blonde in L.A.) Matt Rez, adding brightness and contrast to the hair is key to looking as youthful as possible.

8 / 15

PHOTO:

Michael Loccisano/Getty

According to Rez, you want to avoid colour that's "too monotone" and always focus on bringing "brightness and light to the face."

9 / 15

PHOTO:

Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty

On his clients, Rez likes to create a subtle gradation from dark roots to bright tips to make the skin truly glow. (For this color style, you might also consider adding some length and volume—Rez always refers his clients to extensions goddess Violet Teriti.)

Pink Champagne

10 / 15

PHOTO:

Jon Kopaloff/Getty

Playful pastels aren't just for kids. "Pastel shades have had a huge moment over the past few years, showing up on young girls to mature ladies alike," says eSalon Colour Director Estelle Baumhauer.

11 / 15

PHOTO:

Renée Rouleau

Proof: Byrdie's favourite celebrity aesthetician, Renée Rouleau, has rocked a soft rosé-pink color for the past few years, and she looks more youthful than ever. "One of my personal age-defying strategies is to have fun, coloured hair since this look is associated with being young, fun, and having an adventurous spirit! So why not?" Rouleau told us.

The best part is that as long as your hair is light enough, you don't even need to visit the salon to go pink. Rouleau does her color herself simply by using Overtone products every time she washes her hair.

Broomstick Blond

13 / 15

PHOTO:

@colorbymattrez

This fresh and modern "broomstick" shade by Rez involves a darker base and warm blond highlights.

14 / 15

PHOTO:

John Shearer/Getty

"Get the look by starting with a base closer to your natural colour. Then have your colourist use a combination of foil and balayage highlights a couple shades lighter than your base to achieve a natural but bright look," says eSalon senior colourist Emily Manatan.